Heat protective outfit



Jan. 3, 1961 J. H. BONIN 2,966,684

HEAT PROTECTIVE OUTFIT 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 5, 1957 INVENTOR.

JDH/v H BUM/v Jan. 3, 1961 J. H. BONIN 2,966,684

HEAT PROTECTIVE OUTFIT Filed Nov. 5, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 I III INVENTOR.

L EH/v /Z FUN/N Jan. 3, 1961 BQNIN 2,966,684

HEAT PROTECTIVE OUTFIT Filed NOV. 5, .1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.I

United States Patent HEAT PROTECTIVE OUTFIT John H. Bonin, Chicago,Ill., assignor to the United States of America as represented by theSecretary of the Army Filed Nov. 5, 1957, Ser. No. 694,691

14 Claims. (Cl. 2-81) This invention relates to a protective outfit foruse in areas of high temperatures and in particular to an air coolingand conditioning outfit.

It is an object of this invention to provide a protective outfit to beworn by a person exposed to high temperatures.

Another object of this invention is to provide a protective outfit whichnot only insulates the wearer from high temperatures but also cools andconditions the body of the wearer.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an air cooling andconditioning system to be worn under an insulating unit.

Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from the followingdescription:

In general, the protective outfit is comprised of a tubular air coolingand conditioning system which is worn under an insulating unit. Airunder pressure is fed into the tubular system, thereby continuouslyremoving the heat which is not eliminated by the insulating unit. Holesin the air distributing system bleed a portion of the air onto the bodyof the wearer so that a conditioning as well as cooling system isprovided. This air picks up the perspiration from the body and is ventedto the atmosphere along with the cooling air through openings in theinsulated unit. Boots and mittens form a part of the outfit and haveprovisions for connecting to the air cooling and conditioning system. Ahelmet having a similar cooling and conditioning system protects theface of the wearer from the high temperatures.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a cut away front view of the outfit showing the entire outfitwith a cut away portion showing the tubular cooling and conditioningunit.

Fig. 2 is a back View of the tubular unit showing the main distributionline and connecting cooling passages.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the mitten assembly.

Fig. 6 is a sectional View taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the helmet taken along line VII-VII ofFig. 8.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line VIIIV-IH of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a view of the boot assembly.

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing in detail theconnection of the mitten assembly and the cool ing and conditioningunit.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 the heat protective outfit It comprises aninsulating suit or coverall 12 with a helmet 14, boot assembly 16, andmitten assembly 18. A tubular cooling and conditioning unit 20 is wornunder the insulating suit 12.

The insulating coverall 12 is composed of a glass clothlined quilt 13insulation, such as a felted fiber glass insulating material, covered byaluminized herringbone asbestos cloth. It is in a conventional coverallform having a zipper fastener 22. As seen in Fig. 4 a plurality of ventholes 24 in the quilt to provide an exit for the air are covered byrespective flaps 26 constituting a plurality of valves to prevententrance of the heat into the quiltbut;

operatively permitting exit therefrom of air under pressure through thevent holes.

The cooling and conditioning unit 20 is made of tubufeeder line toprevent collapsing of the plastic line. This hose is connected to an airsource (not shown). The ends. of the main feeder line at the hands andfeet have T connections 36 and 38 respectively, to which the bootassembly 16 and mitten assembly 18 are connected, as will be explainedbelow.

The tubular passages 28 branch off from opposite sides of the feederline 30 and encircle the portion of the body to be cooled as shown inFigs. 3 and 4, thus providing a doughnubshaped channel arrangement.Exist h0les 37 are provided near the ends of each individual tube 28 sothat the air can be vented through holes 24 in coverall 12. In this waythe doughnut-shaped channels obtain air from the feeder. and dischargeit after travel half-way around the cooled portion. The opposite ends oftubes 28 are joined together by plastic strips 40 to keep the tubes inposition. The channels 28 are graded in size so as to conform to thecontour of the body. A sliding fastener 42 is used to join the trunkencircling portion.

Air is bled off from holes 44 in hose 34 and feeder line 30 to provide acooling and conditioning air system which removes perspiration from thebody of the wearer. From these holes the cool air can circulate over thebody, picking up moisture and then can exit through vent holes 24 alongwith the heated air after cooling. In this way a continuous circulatinglayer of air passes over the body thereby controlling the humiditybetween the wearer and the unit proper.

Referring to Fig. 5, the detachable mitten assembly 18, is built alongthe same principle as the aforementioned portion of the outfit. Aplastic cooling and conditioning air component is connected to one endof the T connection 36. This component 50 lies alongside the hand of thewearer and has openings which allow the air to circulate over the hand.Over component 50 is a plastic glove 52 which separates the cooling andconditioning component 50 and the air cooling and conditioning systemdefined'by main conduit 58 and tubular projections 60. Over the glove 52is a tubular plastic member 54 having a conduit 56 for connection to theother end of T connection 36. Air component 50 and tube 56 may besecured to T connection 36 in any con ventional manner. For example, asshown in Figure 10, one end of tube 56 may be press fitted into theopening at one end of a flexible hose section 45 in fluid communicationtherewith and taped thereto as at 46 to prevent air leakage and tosecure hose 46 and tube 56 in position. The other end of hose 45 issecurely fitted to T connection 36 in fluid communication therewith.Similarly, one end of a flexible hose section 45 may be inserted intothe opening 51 (Figure 5) of air component 50 and taped thereto as at 46to prevent air leakage during use of the outfit. The other end of tubesection 45 is securely fitted in fluid communication with the other endof T connection 45. Similarly, connections between conduits and 94 ofboot assembly 16 and conduits 38 can be made utilizing flexible hosesections. Helmet as- Patented Jan. 3, 1961 sembly 14 may also beconnected to a T connection in main line 30.

A circular main conduit 58 communicates with conduit 56 and acts as afeeder line for tubular projections 60 through which cooling air passes.The projections 64) have air exit holes 62. The air then exits throughvent openings (not shown) at the ends of the exterior mitten 64. Thesevent openings are the same as vents 24. Attached to glove 52 is strip 53which serves to hold projections 60 in position as shown in. Fig. 6which shows adjacent 50 cross sections of the wearers fingers 57. Theentire mitten assembly 18 can be removably attached to the suit 12 ormerely pulledv over the end of the sleeve of suit 12.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, helmet 14 has three coaxial cylinders 67, 69and 71 of sheet aluminum forming an insulation chamber 68, a coolingchamber 70 and a central opening 72 into which the head of the wearer isinserted. The insulating chamber 68 and cooling chamber 70 are filledwith an insulating material such as Fiberglas. A tubular air conduit '74leads air to the cool-' ing chamber through holes 76. The air then flowsthrough chamber 70 and exits through vent 78 in the top of the helmet. Atubular air conduit 80 leads air into the central chamber through holes82. The air then circulates over the head of the wearer and also exitsthrough vent 78. Inlet connections 84 and 86 on air conduits '74 and 8i)respectively can be joined to an independent air source or if desiredcan be connected to a T connection (not shown) at the neck of mainfeeder line 30. At eye level a window 88 is provided. Preferably, thiswindow is composed of three layers: the exterior member of Pyrex glass,the intermediate of metallized plastic and the innermost of Vycor glass.

The boot assembly 16 is shown in Fig. 9. A cooling and conditioning airconduit 90 lies inside a plastic boot 92 which acts as a separatingelement between conduit 90 and a cooling and conditioning air conduit 94which lies over the boot 92 and is connected to metallic inlet 95 whichleads to the sole of the boot. The air conduits are connected to mainline 30 through a T connection 38. The sole of the boot assembly 16 hasan asbestos belting layer 96 lying on an aluminum member 98 which formspassages 99 through which cooling air from inlet 94 passes. The lowerpart of the sole has three layers of asbestos belting 100. An overallasbestos boot 101 covers the unit and overlaps the coverall 12.

In wearing the outfit, a light cotton overall (not shown) is preferablyworn over the body to prevent direct contact of the plastic with thebody of the wearer The cotton coverall does not appreciably affect thecooling and conditioning system and provides added comfort to thewearer. The air requirements are approximately 200-300 cubic feet perminute of air at 90 F. and 80% relative humidity. This maintains anambient temperature of 85 F. with a 70% humidity around the wearer whenexposed to temperatures up to 400 F.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are apparentin view of the teachings herein, without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A heat protective outfit for conditioning the body of a wearercomprising: an outer insulating garment having vent holes therein; aninner air cooling and conditioning unit adapted to substantiallyencircle the entire body of a wearer including a first direct coolingand conditioning air flow system adapted for connection to an air sourceand having a plurality of vent holes therein positioned for directingair against the body of a wearer, and a second indirect cooling andconditioning air flow system comprising a plurality of closed tubularchannels adapted to encircle the body of a wearer and in fluidcommunication with said first direct system, said channels having aplurality ofvent holes adjacent the closed ends thereof positionedtherein for directing air away from the body of a wearer; a helmet forcovering the head of a wearer; a boot assembly for covering the feet ofa wearer; a mitten assembly for covering the hands of a wearer; andmeans connecting said helmet, boot and mitten assemblies to said innercooling and conditioning unit so as to cool and condition the head,hands and feet of a wearer.

2. A heat protective outfit for conditioning the entire body of a wearercomprising: an outer insulating garr ment having a plurality of valvesassociated therewith normally closing a plurality of vent openings insaid garment and being movably responsive to pressure within saidgarment for opening; an inner air cooling and con ditioning unit adaptedto substantially encircle the body of a wearer, said unit including afirst direct cooling and conditioning air flow system extendinglongitudinally of the trunk, arms and legs of a wearer and adapted to beconnected to an air source, said first direct air flow system having aplurality of vent holes positioned therein for directing air flowagainst the body of a wearer, and a second indirect cooling andconditioning air flow system comprising a plurality of channels, eachclosed at one end thereof and in fluid communication with said firstdirect air flow system, pairs of said channels extending from each sideof said first direct air flow system adapted to encircle the body of awearer, vent holes positioned in said channels adjacent the closed endsthereof for directing air flow away from the body of a wearer, whereby aportion of air from said air source flowing through said cooling andconditioning unit to said garment openings is bled through said firstsystem vent holes directly against the body of a wearer for coolingthereof and the remainder of said air flow from said first direct airflow system through said second indirect air flow system to said secondindirect air flow system vent holes for indirect cooling of the body ofa wearer, said direct cooling air and said indirect cooling airreuniting in the space defined by the outer insulating garment and thebody of a wearer for venting through said garment vent openings; ahelmet assembly for covering the head of a wearer; a boot assembly forcovering the feet of a wearer; a mitten assembly for covering the handsof a wearer; and means connecting said helmet, boot and mittenassemblies to said inner cooling and conditioning unit so as to cool andcondition the head, hands and feet of a wearer.

3. A body enclosing heat protective unit comprising: a cooling andconditioning unit including a first direct cooling and conditioning airflow system extending longitudinally of the trunk, arms and legs of awearer and adapted to be connected to an air source, said first systemhaving a plurality of vent holes positioned therein for directing airflow against the body of a wearer, and a second indirect cooling andconditioning air flow system comprising a plurality of channels, eachclosed at one end thereof and in fluid communication with said firstsystem, pairs of said channels extending from each side of said firstsystem adapted to encircle the body of a wearer, vent holes positionedin said channels adjacent the closed ends thereof for directing air flowaway from the body of a wearer, whereby a portion of air from said airsource in flowing through said cooling and conditioning unit is bledthrough said first system vent holes directly against the body of awearer for cooling and conditioning thereof and the remainder of saidair in flowing from said first direct system through said secondindirect system to said second indirect system vent holes indirectlycools and conditions the body of a wearer.

4. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 2 in which said helmetassembly comprises a first cylindrical member providing a centralchamber for inclosing the head of a wearer; a second cylindrical membercoaxial with said first member and defining a first annular spacetherebetween; a third cylindrical member coaxial with said second memberand defining a second annular space therebetween; insulating material insaid first and second annular spaces, a cooling and conditioning unitadapted to be connected to an air source including a direct firstcooling and conditioning air flow system extending through saidcylindrical members into said central chamber for encircling the head ofa wearer, said system having vent holes therein opening into saidcentral chamber positioned to direct air flow against the head of awearer, and an indirect second cooling and conditioning system extendingthrough said third and second cylindrical members into said firstannular space and encircling said first cylindrical member, said secondsystem having a plurality of vent holes therein opening into said firstannular space and means for venting said first and second systemsthrough said third cylindrical member.

5. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 4 in which said firstcooling and conditioning air fiow system includes a conduit leading towithin said first cylindrical member, and said second cooling andconditioning air flow system includes a second conduit leading to withinsaid first annular space, said conduits being adapted for connection tosaid air source.

6. A heat protective assembly as defined in claim 2 in which said bootassembly comprises a sole portion for providing support for the foot ofa wearer, a cooling and conditioning unit adapted for connection to anair source including a first direct cooling and conditioning air flowsystem lying adjacent the foot of a wearer and having vent holes thereinfor directing air flow against the foot of a wearer, a separating memberbetween said first fluid flow system and a second indirect cooling andconditioning air flow system having vent holes therein for indirectlycooling and conditioning the foot of a wearer.

7. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 2 in whichsaidinsulating garment comprises a coverall covering the torso, arms, andlegs of said wearer; said coverall being formed of a glass cloth-linedquilt of insulating material.

8. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 7 in which said coverallhas an outer lining of aluminized cloth.

9. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 4 and further comprisinga top member covering said cylindrical members, said top member havingan opening through which said air can be vented to the atmosphere.

10. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 6 in which said soleportion comprises an asbestos layer lying adjacent the sole of said footof said wearer, a second asbestos layer, a metallic member between saidasbestos layers, said metallic member having passages for circulatingsaid cooling air and providing a firm support for said foot of saidwearer.

11. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 6 in which saidseparating member comprises a plastic boot.

12. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 2 in which said mittenassembly comprises an air ventilating conduit lying adjacent the hand ofsaid wearer, an air cooling member, a glove separating said air coolingmember from said ventilating conduit, means connecting said conduit andsaid member to an air source, and an asbestos mitten covering saidconduit, said member and said glove.

13. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 12 in which saidcooling member comprises a circular tubular conduit connected to saidair source, a plurality of tubular projections on said circular conduit,said projections communicating with said circular conduit and havingopenings though which said cooling air can exit.

14. A heat protective outfit as defined in claim 13 and furthercomprising a strip on said glove, said strip having openings throughwhich said projections pass so as to hold said projections in position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,418,069 Delano Mar. 25, 1947 2,512,990 Akerman June 27, 1950 2,540,547I Rodert Feb. 6, 1951 2,560,591 Oltrogge July 17, 1951 2,561,891 TbckerJuly 24, 1951 2,573,414 Dunn Oct. 30, 1951 2,627,072 Frommelt et al.Feb. 3, 1953 2,701,923 Toman Feb. 15, 1955 2,702,386 Johnston Feb. 22,1955 2,709,667 Grubb et al. May 31, 1955 2,773,262 Brouha et al Dec. 11,1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 808,342 Germany Mar. 27, 1952

